Jefferson Parish school system subject of another civil rights complaint

The Southern Poverty Law Center filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education today alleging discrimination in the Jefferson Parish school system's treatment of black students and students with disabilities.

The complaint says the system has pushed a disproportionate number of these students into alternative schools, where they often languish for months or even years before returning to school.

"Jefferson Parish's alternative school policies are cutting short the futures of countless African-American students and students with disabilities," said Eden Heilman, senior staff attorney for the center's Louisiana office.

"If the district cares about providing a quality education to all of its students, it will end these discriminatory policies."